College Consulting by Principia provides families with personalized guidance through the college application process. From selecting schools and brainstorming essays to assisting with resumes and interviews, our advisors offer insight, organization, and candor.

We believe that applying to college should not induce anxiety, but rather allow students to reflect on their high school experience and identify colleges that will maximize their academic and social growth. We recognize the importance of planning early to alleviate the stress of senior year, and actively keep students on track while harnessing their creative potential.

How will you introduce yourself to your dream college?

Set Yourself Apart

After all the numbers have been crunched and candidates considered, the college admissions game comes down to a single document: the college essay.

No matter where you are in the process — whether it's the initial brainstorm or polishing the final product — we'll make sure your words help you stand out from the crowd.

TOPICS COVERED

We are asked to give college essay seminars regularly. Some of the topics we cover include:

"How to Find Your Essay Topic"

"How to Write Each of the Four Essay Types"

"How to Present Your Strongest Self"

"How to Turn Weakness into Strength"

"How to Make an Admissions Officer Feel"

"How to Get into the Perfect College for You: Even withLess-than-Perfect Grades"

"Bringing Your Essay to Life"

"Revisions: The End Game"

Hourly

Pay-As-You-Go

Best for light editing at the end of the process

Hourly Package

Most flexible

Available in 10-hour increments

Suited for self-motivated students

School Package

Most comprehensive

24/7 access + Progress Tracking

Essays tailored for every school and program

All Supplemental Essays

Oliver was a huge help with my college application process. My essay was a mess before I talk to him; with his help I was able to start over and restructure it.

— Simon C., U.V.A.

Oliver helped my daughter write an emotional and personal story that she would not have had the courage to tell without his help. He was instrumental in helping her in the college application process.

— Samantha K. (Yale mother)

I really can’t say enough about Oliver’s attention to detail. His insistence on honesty and writerly perfection raised my standards to a level that surprised even me! 

Who Will I Work With?

Oliver Lee is a Princeton University graduate (Psychology '02), MFA graduate, and published writer. He grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and attended the Gilman School, where they still use his college essay as an application model. He has been teaching and tutoring for over a decade.

Principia's advising team has designed a package that helps families maintain a balanced perspective and strategic advantage in the college application process. We guide families through the entire journey, helping students discover their passions, stay on track, and create unique, compelling narratives that highlight their strengths.